Wild bald eagle lingers around female at zoo

By Associated Press Published: Jan 31, 2011 at 4:38 PM PDT Last Updated: Jan 31, 2011 at 6:13 PM PDT
Wild bald eagle lingers around female at zoo
In this Jan. 29, 2011 photo, a wild bald eagle perches in a Sycamore tree overlooking the Orange County Zoo's captive eagle program, where a captive female bald eagle has been calling back and forth with the wild bald eagle, in Irvine, Calif. The tree overlooks the rain-fed Santiago Creek in Irvine Regional Park. Nature and bird enthusiasts have been delighted with the rare bald eagle sighting and crowds have been steadily increasing. The higher water levels and fish in the creek are also drawing other predatory birds. (AP Photo/Los Angeles Times, Allen J. Schaben)

IRVINE, Calif. (AP) — It could be romance, loneliness or just curiosity, but a wild bald eagle can't seem to stay away from another one kept in captivity at the Orange County Zoo. >>> Photos

The Los Angeles Times said Sunday that since last weekend the wild eagle has made daily appearances at the small zoo in Irvine just outside the exhibit of Olivia, a female bald eagle with an eye injury that prevents her release.

It may be a matter of mating attraction. The wild eagle's smaller size suggests he's male — but zookeepers can't be sure.

The zoo is also near a creek that is currently teeming with fish and could have attracted the rare wild bird.

Bird watchers and photographers have been flocking to take a look at the pair, who can get within 15 feet of each other. >>> See photos of the eagles

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com

 

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.